A timeshare allows its owner to posses a piece of property without the burden of maintenance and other responsibilities that are usually associated with owning a piece of real estate. A set destination is open to the timeshare owner that is guaranteed to be available during a specific time, as stated in the ownership deed. This type of ownership is economical and efficient for people who are looking to vacation in the same location year after year. Once the vacation spot is no longer desirable, it can be transferred to an interested buyer.

Contact the timeshare resort and find out if any fees will be incurred in the timeshare-transfer process. Some companies charge a fee for this type of transaction, so it is important for you to inform the buyer and note it in the contract. This is also an opportunity for you to tie up any loose strings on your end of the deal, such as whether you owe any arrears for past services provided to you that incurred charges.

Place an ad in your local newspaper's classifieds section, or post an ad on a travel website. Classifieds cost a small fee, but if you are able to make a connection with an interested buyer that will end in the sale of your timeshare, it may be worth it.

Exchange information about your timeshare with the prospective buyer. Be patient and answer any questions he may have. Release all of the relevant information that pertains to the timeshare, such as the resort name, contact information and rules of the company involved in the timeshare. All of the information should be included in the documents you signed at the time of the original purchase.

Draw up a contract and state clearly and precisely what the buyer will be purchasing. Include the sale price, any additional fees that will be owed due to outstanding back payments, and when the buyer will be able to use the timeshare. Since timeshares usually pertain to certain seasons of the year, and can only be used during certain weeks, you must make this clear in the contract.

Contact the local clerk's office in the area in which the timeshare is located. This office can supply you and the buyer with an official copy of a new deed. There may be a fee for this, but at least the timeshare transfer will be legal. Creating your own deed by using documents purchased from your local stationery store may not be legal in the state involved in the sale.

Finalize the transfer of your timeshare by exchanging all relevant paperwork through the mail or over the Internet. In the best-case scenario, lawyers who are educated in the sale of real estate can close the sale for your professionally and offer you piece of mind. Otherwise, the signed documents and receipts of payment should suffice.

Tip

Even if you do not choose to use an attorney for the actual transfer of ownership, it is still a good idea to consult with one prior to the sale. An attorney who is skilled in real-estate law can offer useful advice that may be very important to the transfer of your timeshare.

Tip

Make sure you are indeed the timeshare owner! If you have acquired the use of a timeshare from a deceased relative or loved one, make sure your name is on the actual deed before attempting the transfer. Otherwise, the transaction may not be legal.

About the Author

Jonae Fredericks started writing in 2007. She also has a background as a licensed cosmetologist and certified skin-care specialist. Jonae Fredericks is a certified paraeducator, presently working in the public education system.